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The University of Scranton presented an award to the Rev. Ronald McKinney. From left: Karen Earl Kolon, M.D., 1985, daughter of the late John Earl; Pauline Earl, wife of the late John Earl; McKinney; the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president; and Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

St. Joseph’s Center representatives receive a grant from the local New York Life office. Front, from left: Kenny Price, managing partner of New York Life; Emilie Deery, Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM, President and CEO of Saint Joseph’s Center; and Robert Jaggars. Second row: William Colon, Jeff Mclaughlin, Nick Gavern and Doug Badaszewski.

Professor honored

University of Scranton philosophy professor the Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., Ph.D., received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the university, the faculty and the wider community.

The award is given annually to a member of the university community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996, according to the university.

McKinney joined the university faculty in 1984 and served as director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program from 1986 to 2010. McKinney teaches philosophy courses, leads faculty seminars and workshops in Ignatian vision and pedagogy and has also served on several committees and initiatives, including currently as member of the Middle States Self-Study Working Group and the Health Professions Evaluation Committee.

He is also an award-winning playwright.

McKinney earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and master’s degrees from Weston School of Theology and Fordham University; he also earned his doctorate from Fordham University

Previous Earl award recipient English and theater professor Michael Friedman, Ph.D., said McKinney made a “remarkable impact on the personal lives of the members of the faculty as well as the university community at large.”

University of Scranton President the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., added he often hears alumni speak of McKinney “with tremendous admiration, affection and respect.”

High notes

Managing Partner of New York Life’s Scranton General Office Kenny Price presented St. Joseph’s Center with a $20,000 Community Impact Grant to support the center’s Maternity and Family Services Department, on behalf of the company.

“We appreciate the volunteer efforts of the local New York Life office every year,” said Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, I.H.M., president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Center. “They show care, concern, compassion and commitment in support of our important mission all year long.”

The funds from New York Life will help the center “maintain our century-old tradition of providing for the health and wellness needs of pregnant and parenting mothers who are challenged socially and economically during this vital time in their lives and for this, we are most grateful,” said Jacquinot.

The grant will support the Walsh Manor, which provides emergency shelter in a homelike setting to pregnant women experiencing homelessness, and the Mother Infant Home, a supportive transitional housing program for mothers with infants who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

New members

Natalie Povanda, Kayla Gordon, Marie Burke and Tara Churilla were inducted as new members of the Keystone Chapter UNICO at Mendicino’s in Daleville.

Mark McDade was the inducting officer.

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